Updated September 21, 2021.
We often receive questions about the range limitations of consumer FRS and GMRS two way radios. In fact, it is probably one of the most commonly asked questions about them, and for many, it seems to be one of the most important considerations when shopping for a handheld radio. This is certainly understandable, of course. Everyone wants the ability to communicate with others across great distances, and certainly more than just across their front yard.
However, since radios communicate line-of-sight, and given the power and other limitations of the typical FRS/GMRS handheld walkie talkie, coupled with the uncertainty of weather conditions, location and terrain, the average range of direct radio-to-radio communications with the typical consumer radio may not meet some applications.
In such a scenario, one may need more than just a standard walkie-talkie. One may need a handheld radio with the ability to operate through a repeater.
Although the FCC does not allow the use of a repeater on FRS frequencies (and given the 1/2 watt limitation of channels 8-14 on the FRS and GMRS services, it isn't practical anyway), it does allow the use of repeaters on the GMRS. Yes, there are GMRS repeaters out there, not too many, but they do exist. But what about repeater ready GMRS radios?
Yes, they do exist as well. We receive frequent inquiries and requests from customers who are searching for GMRS radios with the ability to operate through GMRS repeaters. While they aren't common, they certainly are out there, and they aren't too hard to find.
This chart lists brand name portable handheld GMRS radios currently available with repeater capability. Click on the name or image of each model for details and more specifications on each radio. All models listed in the chart are available from Buy Two Way Radios.
FRS/GMRS Two Way Radio Comparison Chart
Model | Interference Eliminator Codes | FRS/GMRS Channels | Weather Channels | Repeater Capable | Repeater Channels | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Motorola Talkabout MR355R | 121 | 22 | 11 | ✔ | 8 | ||
Motorola Talkabout MS350R | 121 | 22 | 11 | ✔ | 8 | ||
Motorola Talkabout MS355R | 121 | 22 | 11 | ✔ | 8 | ||
Olympia R500 | 121 | 50* | 11 | ✔ | 8 | ||
Wouxun KG-805G | 155 | 30 | - | ✔ | 8 | ||
Wouxun KG-905G | 155 | 30 | - | ✔ | 8 | ||
Wouxun KG-935G | 155 | 30 | 7 | ✔ | 8 |
Additional resources:
TWRS-68 - An Introduction to Repeaters
Radio 101 - How To activate repeater channels on a Motorola Talkabout radio
*According to Olympia, the 50 channels consist of 22 FRS/GMRS and 28 "extra" channels.
Looking for GMRS handheld and mobile that can use external repeaters (on mountaintop) to communicate. I was told Midland MXT400 and XTALK T71VP3 will work as combo with GMRS and repeaters. Can anyone confirm.
I said the olympia r 500 doesn't hit repeaters,it does hit the repeater,I just didn't know how to work the radio,I'm well pleased with it!!!!!!!
Check out this site for an up to date listing of repeaters for GMRS. https://mygmrs.com/preferences
time to update or take down the post since none of these radios are available any more. All three are discontinued
The article is updated, however the older models remain as there are many of them still actively in use.
Why not show a list of the known GMRS - capable repeaters ?? whY oh whY is it hard to find this info ??? It's absurd ...
It isn't difficult to find at all. A list of GMRS repeaters is readily available online 24/7 at MyGMRS.com.
The olympia does not hit gmrs repeaters, only my Midland 75-440 does, and it's only a 2 watt radio they don't make them like they used too!!!!!
Hi Thomas, It probably didn't reach the repeater because it was not in range. the Olympia R500 is repeater capable but is under 1 watt.
I'm a licensed gmrs operator,and I can't find a real GMRS radio, 75-440 hits the repeaters quite well for a two watt radio had it for 15 years, was just looking for a high powered one !!!!!!
Too bad, the Midland 75-440 works great,it has a detachable antenna, has good range plus I have a magnetic antenna, that gives the radio 3 more db gain they don't make radios like they used to!!!!!!
Thomas, the Olympia R500 does what the 75-440 does on the GMRS, and it is a current model on the list in the article. Granted, it isn't 4-5 watts, but neither was the 75-440, which was only 2 watts.
I HAVE A MIDLAND 75-440 23 CHANNEL RADIO, IT HAS 15 GMRS SIMPLEX CHANNELS PLUS 8 DUPLEX CHANNELS, HOW COME I CAN'T FIND RADIOS THAT DO THE SAME THING LIKE THIS ONE? DON'T THEY MAKE RADIOS LIKE THIS ANY MORE? LOOKING FOR RADIOS LIKE THESE WITH 4 OR 5 WATTS,STRICTLY FOR GMRS ONLY!!!!!
@conner
"Are there gmrs repeaters available when you go hiking?" - There very well could be.
"do you have a gmrs license to use the repeaters?" - Having a GMRS license has nothing to do with using a repeater. You need a license to use certain frequencies at certain power levels. You SHOULD get an owners permission to use a private repeater.
How does this information help you exactly? Are there gmrs repeaters available when you go hiking? do you have a gmrs license to use the repeaters?
Thanks Rick,
I will check it out.
BTW I spoke too soon, it looks like the Olympia R500 has weather alerts...just not sure if it is "all hazards" and can be set to local alerts because what I'm worried about is forest fire.
Mel, we have good news! A repeater capable GMRS transceiver with NOAA channels is coming, and it's a mobile radio! Listen to the Two Way Radio Show Episode #108 for details.
The blog to which you left your comment is an excellent source for more info and radios. Subscribe to stay informed on the latest news about FRS/GMRS two way radios and technology.
I wish there was a repeater capable transceiver with NOAA All Hazard Alert function!
In answer to Bernt, Robert and Tim, high powered GMRS radios/repeaters seem only to exist in the past (as business radios that were part 95 certified.)
Ebay, local amateurs/GMRS operators or GMRS websites are your best source for more info and radios.
I am looking for a fully fledged part 95a certified mobile radio that is capable of repeater operations as well as simplex on all GMRS channels AND has a 45-50W transmitter output. So far i have not been able to find this. Any hints???
Missing from the above list is the Garmin Rino 650 series, which is a FRS/GMRS repeater-capable handheld radio, with integrated GPS.
The article says that there are GMRS repeaters available, but does not identify any specific make/models. I'm looking to install a GMRS repeater; can anyone point me in the right direction? All I'm finding are "repeater controllers" which require two GMRS radios (with specific connection ports) to be plugged into them. Is there a commercially available GMRS repeater out there?
As date stamped below the article, the information was posted on December 11, 2015. The information is still current and all four radios listed are still available from Buy Two Way Radios as of September 20, 2016.
what is the date on this information?
I'm currently looking for a high power base/mobile GMRS radio that is repeater capable as well! It seems to me that all I can find in this category is an expensive "UHF business class" or "UHF ham" radio that can also be "programmed" to use the GMRS repeaters... I'm curious if there's anybody currently manufacturing a true high power 50/25/10/5 watt GMRS only base/mobile radio that is programmable for repeater use at a decent price? I find it kind of odd that I can't find something like this being offered for sale under the current rules & regs... I'm using the repeater capable Motorola MS350R hand held radio that only has 3 watts output and need more power! Any ideas as if anybody currently has plans on the drawing board for manufacturing something like this in the near future? Any suggestions you have would be extremely helpful... Maybe I need to cash in and find a manufacturer that can work with me to design a model in exchange for a couple new radios...